PAUL Smith may have been labelled one of the Mitchell brothers by his teammates yet his philosophy couldn't be further removed from that of a soap opera hard man hot-head.

Indeed, cool' is the midfielder's preferred persona and he feels such an attitude on the pitch is the best way of plotting Town's route to safety.

The experienced Smith won plaudits from his manager and teammates alike for his contribution to Saturday's 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers.

His young central midfield partner Charlie Comyn-Platt was especially complimentary for the calm advice Smith offered him during the course of the game.

There's no question the player has bite in his game and he isn't afraid to throw himself into the tackle but snarling like a Mitchell brother? Forget it.

Smith knows that remaining calm and urging those around him to do the same in the heat of battle can only help the team and it won't do his long term contract prospects any harm either!

He said: "A cool head is better than a hot head on the pitch.

"You've just got to calm people down when appropriate.

"People can start lashing at balls and it's just a question of having a little word.

"It's about concentration and focus. If you can keep those two things intact then you shouldn't have a problem."

The Doncaster match was Smith's first start since before Christmas and now he's had a taste of action again he's hungry for more. Much more.

Manager Iffy Onuora offered his former Gillingham teammate a deal to the end of the current campaign last month and Smith's initial impressions of the club have been so positive that he would love to see that stay extended.

He knows some impressive personal displays within the framework of team success will enhance the chances of that becoming a reality.

"In football, you play for the team and the club but you're also playing for your future.

"I want to get playing regularly and to try and earn myself another year or two here because from what I've seen so far in the space of three weeks this is a great club with tremendous support.

"I'll play each game to do as well as I can. If we keep picking up points and climbing the league then hopefully it makes it easier to get a deal," said Smith.

Town fans wishing to travel to the match at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, February 25 should note the match is all-ticket for away fans. Prices for the game are as follows: £20 (adults), £15 (senior citizens) and £10 (students and under 18s).